Braces and other orthodontic procedures are often an inevitable fact of life, but that doesn’t mean the worries and concerns your teen may have about the prospect of braces should be dismissed. If your child is getting ready to get their own braces or is concerned about getting them in the future, then here’s how to make your teen more comfortable with braces.
Keep Them Informed
Because braces are so common, it’s easy to assume the process is just as common knowledge. In reality, your child may have no idea what to expect and may become more distressed as their imagination runs wild and they receive conflicting information from myths and misconceptions about braces. When your teen is preparing to receive braces, make sure you help walk them through the process and address any fears they may have. Your child’s orthodontist will be a powerful tool for you to make use of, as they’ll be able to clearly explain each step of the process and provide trustworthy information as to what your teen can expect.
Explore All Their Options
A good way to make your teen more comfortable with braces is to thoroughly explore and make available all your child’s options. This will help them feel less “trapped” by the inevitable need for braces and potentially help them find an alternative that they are more comfortable with. For example, clear aligners are becoming a more viable alternative to traditional wire and bracket braces and may be worth considering if your child desires something more subtle and less intrusive.
Focus on the End Goal
Because braces are such an immediate change in one’s lifestyle, it’s easy for teens to get caught up in the moment of how uncomfortable and even painful their braces can be. Help your teen keep their eyes on the prize by ensuring their focus remains on the end goal of the process—a healthy and attractive smile. While braces may not seem worth the trouble now, crooked and unhealthy teeth often lead to difficulties like self-esteem issues or pain and infection later in life. Going through the process of braces will lead to a permanent improvement of their lifestyle and future, so it is well worth enduring for the relatively short period of time their teeth need to be treated.